Soapbox

Okay, it's not very PC, but I admit it. During, and for a time after my separation and divorce, I, like most women in similar circumstances, went through the obligatory 'Men Are Dogs' phase.My experience led me, with some degree of self-righteous tenacity, to condemn the entire gender. With time and a liberal amount of chocolate and kickboxing, common sense returned. Since then, though, I have witnessed so many examples of remarkably good and honorable men. Father's Day seems a particularly good time to show some appreciation for the decent, honest, hard-working Dads of the world. We are kidding ourselves if we believe women alone raise or have an impact on the next generation.

The most profound appreciation and respect goes to :

• All the Dads who never give up on their children; even when they are at their worst. You teach your children, by example, to love unconditionally.
• The men who take the time to talk and fully listen to children, whether or not they are part of your family. You understand children are everyone's responsibility.
• The single fathers who fight to remain a part of their children's lives, going to any length to shield kids from the messy baggage between former spouses. You show children the meaning of boundaries, responsibility and maturity.
•  All the Dads who take off from work to attend Spring Sings, doctor's appointments, parent/teacher meetings, and soccer matches. Your behavior is an example of healthy priorities.
• Every man who treats the mother of his children with dignity and respect, whether or not a civil relationship exists. You show that no matter what happened in your personal relationship, for one moment in time, something remarkable was created; a child who loves you both.
• The men who run nightly baths, make midnight drugstore runs for Tylenol, cook hot dogs with ketchup, read bedtime stories, tell silly jokes, build tree-forts, and point out pictures in the clouds. You prove nurturing is not a quality exclusive to women.
• Any man who worked his tail off in a dead-end or high powered job so that his children could have better. You are an example of dedication.
• The dads who understand children need them to act as Fathers, and not friends. You help provide the safety net of structure children desperately need until they are able to stand on their own.
• The men who don't abandon their children out of spite or disrespect for the children's mother. You teach your children that they matter, and whatever went wrong between their parents is not their fault.
• To any man who stood his ground and told the truth, no matter the circumstances, no matter the cost. You are an example to us all.

blessings,

Catie

Copyright 2005 WomanLinks.com

About the Author : Catie Hayes is founder/editor of WomanLinks.com; a community of support, spirituality, growth and empowerment for women. She is a freelance writer, the single, homeschooling mom of two, and an avid fan of laughter, spontaneous dancing, cats and chocolate (not necessarily in that order).